Summary

The website content describes an interactive book-writing project where the author invites readers to contribute by role-playing as characters, specifically Maybelline, to engage with the story and its characters through comments that may be included in the final book.

Abstract

The author of the web content has received inspiration from a Tarot card reading, particularly from The Fool, to embrace a more collaborative approach to writing a book. This book centers around characters like Maybelline, a beautiful, brilliant, and fierce writer and editor, who is married to Byron. The narrative unfolds in Byron's parents' beach house, where Maybelline navigates complex relationships, including those with Byron's jealous ex-girlfriends. The author proposes creating a Medium account for Maybelline to interact with readers and further develop the story. Readers are encouraged to engage creatively by commenting as if they were characters within the story, with the possibility of their contributions being incorporated into the book. The author commits to acknowledging inspiring dialogue in the published work and promises to give proper credit. The content also details the author's use of traditional writing tools, such as a typewriter and high-quality paper, to craft and archive the story, adding authenticity and a unique touch to the project.

Opinions

The author values collaboration in the writing process and sees it as an opportunity to enhance the narrative with diverse input.
There is a playful and experimental approach to character development, with the author suggesting that readers can contribute by role-playing as characters.
The author emphasizes the importance of not being overly cautious with words, advocating for a more relaxed and enjoyable writing experience among writers.
The author is open to feedback and corrections from readers, particularly with Maybelline's character, given her role as an editor within the story.
The use of traditional writing methods, such as typewriters and archive-quality paper, is a deliberate choice that reflects the author's commitment to craftsmanship and the timeless nature of storytelling.
The author shows appreciation for reader engagement by dedicating a page to participants and promising to include their inspiring dialogue in the book.

Let’s Write a Book Together

Might as well, if it’s going to happen anyway…

Yesterday I pulled Tarot cards and I didn’t share. Now I know why.

What I can tell you is that The Fool was there, and he was walking without a care, with wisdom to share.

He told me I need to collaborate more. Then he stopped and snapped out of his trance, and turned and looked me in the eyes, and said:

“You see Maybelline?”

“Yes, of course, I know Maybelline,” I said.

“No, but do you see her? Like the way I do, right now.” The Fool asked. And then he disappeared.

I take a walk and contemplate these initial pages. I feel a strong connection to Maybelline. She is powerful. Talk about mistaking a book by the cover — the way she is seen by Alia in the first pages is borderline grotesque. But it’s perfect for the story. The characters have layers.

And out jumps Maybelline

Maybelline arrives and all we know is that she is beautiful, brilliant, loyal. A fierce writer, and editor. She comes in and inspects the things that matter, and adjusts them. Like clockwork. She is brutally honest, and maintains order according to her preferences. She’s married to a man named Byron. She gets along very well with Byron’s parents. They all live together in Byron’s parents beach house, which is ample, and luxurious. That said, Maybelline knows how to handle Byron’s jealous ex-girlfriends with ease, and they have trouble letting go of Byron. Alia is an example.

I thought about starting a Medium account to write as Maybelline

That way I could start pretending to comment as her on this page about Byron and the things he does that make her mad and what she is doing to correct them.

The Fool says

Try it.

This is just an initial idea, but I say — feel free to respond in the manner in which you believe Maybelline would to Byron if you were a friend or ghostwriter, or fly on the wall, pizza delivery, whomever — (please define and illustrate using your style) and comment as if the couple were together in person. Scratch that — they could be on the phone. Or texting. Whatever you want. There are examples below in today’s typewritten pages. Be creative. It will probably make it in the book.

It’s worth a try

This exercise could help alleviate the looming inherent pressure to be careful with words. I respectfully say, fuck that. We are writers supporting writers, are we not? Words are our instrument. I say, let’s have fun with this. Take a load off. Kick back. Write whatever you want. Make it about Byron and Maybelline.

And at the end of my typewritten effort, which shall take about 1–2 weeks, I shall wrap this, and typewrite a page dedicated to everyone who participated in the comments. Inspiring dialogue shall make it into the book, and of course, I will give proper credit. If I make a mistake, please remind me of what I need to fix and I will get it right. Or Maybelline will have my head. She’s an editor, remember?

(The images below are scans of the author’s typewritten pages and illustrations from Sunday, January 23rd, 2022. They are archived by date and page number in the top-left. Any illustrations are drawn using Blackwing pencils. All type is printed on Southworth archive quality paper using a Smith-Corona Silent-Super typewriter from the 1950s. The paper is low-acid, watermarked, and date coded for authentication purposes.)

Maybelline — your husband Byron is calling…

Folding in the Star Dome*

Today’s pages are dedicated to David Perlmutter

immortaltype.medium.com